By: Staff Writer
September 11, Colombo (LNW): An Asian Development Bank (ADB) delegation recently visited MAS Holdings’ Fabric Park in Thulhiriya, Sri Lanka, marking a significant step toward fostering private sector growth through strategic partnerships and targeted investment.
The visit provided the ADB team with an in-depth look at MAS’ operations, highlighting the company’s emphasis on manufacturing excellence, innovation, and sustainable business practices.
According to MAS, the engagement allowed ADB officials to directly experience the company’s integrated production processes, research and development initiatives, and commitment to environmental sustainability. These insights, the company noted, are crucial in shaping development strategies that encourage private sector-led growth.
“Collaborating with leading private sector companies like MAS is key to promoting sustainable growth and resilience,” said Takafumi Kadono, ADB’s Country Director for Sri Lanka. “We are impressed by MAS’ dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility, which align closely with ADB’s regional development priorities.”
The visit also underscores the growing role of institutions such as the ADB in understanding and supporting the evolving dynamics of Sri Lanka’s apparel industry. Rajitha Jayasuriya, Director of Corporate Affairs at MAS, emphasized that engagements like this “build bridges between industry and development partners, creating new opportunities for inclusive growth and long-term impact.”
By opening channels for dialogue with major development institutions, MAS is demonstrating the potential for knowledge sharing, specialised investment, and collaborative initiatives that can further strengthen Sri Lanka’s textile and apparel sector.
Such interactions provide private sector firms with insights into global best practices, sustainability frameworks, and technological advancements that are essential for maintaining competitiveness in the international market.
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry remains a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing significantly to employment, export revenue, and industrial innovation. Partnerships with development institutions like the ADB can accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies, enhance workforce skills, and facilitate investment in cutting-edge manufacturing infrastructure, thereby positioning the sector for long-term growth.
The ADB visit is also a signal to other investors and development partners that Sri Lanka’s private sector is open to collaboration and innovation. By showcasing the operations of a leading firm such as MAS, the engagement highlights both the potential and readiness of the industry to embrace strategic investments that drive economic resilience and sustainable development.
As Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its apparel sector, initiatives that foster public-private dialogue and international collaboration are likely to become increasingly important. The ADB delegation’s visit to MAS Fabric Park exemplifies how targeted engagement with the private sector can unlock pathways for innovation, competitiveness, and inclusive economic growth, reinforcing the country’s position as a key player in the global textile market.
